What is the initial dose of Epinephrine for pediatric pulseless arrest?

What is the initial dose of Epinephrine for pediatric pulseless arrest?

• A. 0.1 mg/kg
• B. 0.001 mg/kg
• C. 0.01 mg/kg
• D. 1 mg/kg

Answer: (C)

When a child has a pulseless collapse, epinephrine is given to boost blood flow to the heart and brain during CPR by narrowing small vessels and increasing diastolic pressure. The standard initial dose is 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO, repeated every 3–5 minutes; this corresponds to 0.1 mL/kg of a 1:10,000 epinephrine solution (since 1 mL of 1:10,000 contains 0.1 mg). Dosing higher, like 0.1 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg, is far too much for pediatrics and can cause harm, while 0.001 mg/kg would be too small to achieve the desired perfusion.

When a child has a pulseless collapse, epinephrine is given to boost blood flow to the heart and brain during CPR by narrowing small vessels and increasing diastolic pressure. The standard initial dose is 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO, repeated every 3–5 minutes; this corresponds to 0.1 mL/kg of a 1:10,000 epinephrine solution (since 1 mL of 1:10,000 contains 0.1 mg). Dosing higher, like 0.1 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg, is far too much for pediatrics and can cause harm, while 0.001 mg/kg would be too small to achieve the desired perfusion.